Fibrate Drugs

Drugs in the fibrate family are used to improve levels of cholesterol and related lipids found in the blood. Fibrates are particularly helpful for individuals with high levels of triglycerides.

Medications in this category include:

Clofibrate (Atromid-S)

Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Fenofibrate (Tricor)

Fibrate drugs are known to raise homocysteine levels in the blood. High levels of homocycsteine have been associated with increased risk of heart disease, although a direct connection has not been proven.

Fibrate drugs are known to increase the "blood thinning" effects of drugs in the
warfarin
(Coumadin) family. Certain herbs, such as garlic, danshen, devil’s claw, dong quai, papaya, PC-SPES and red clover, may thin the blood in a manner somewhat similar to warfarin. Although no such interactions have yet been reported, it is at least theoretically possible that combined use of these herbs and fibrate drugs could pose a risk of bleeding problems.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.